New Testament in 6 Weeks

After I received the call to teach seminary, a distinct feeling of inadequacy set in. Intimidated at the task that lay ahead, I set a goal to read the New Testament in its entirety before the school year started.

Condensed study of the scriptures is the way to go. I remember when President Hinckley challenged us to read the Book of Mormon. The challenge came in an article in the Ensign, a church publication. I had just finished reading the Book of Mormon in my personal study, but accepted the challenge nonetheless. The prophet's challenge came with a promise:

"Without reservation I promise you that if each of you will observe this simple program, regardless of how many times you previously may have read the Book of Mormon, there will come into your lives and into your homes an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God."

I felt the reality of these blessings personally and heard the testimonies of many who were similarly blessed.

As I read the New Testament this summer, I discovered that these blessings can be realized daily; not just as the result of obedience to a single challenge. Yes, the Prophet wanted us to read or reread the Book of Mormon; but in addition, he wanted us to get in the habit of reading more than a page...or even a chapter a day. When we immerse ourselves in scripture study accompanied with prayer, we align ourselves with our God and are hence prepared to receive personal revelation.

Here are a few things that stuck out to me as I studied this summer:

• Jesus Christ is the literal son of God, the Eternal Father (Matt. 3:17)
• The Godhead consists of 3 individuals with 1 purpose (Matt. 3:16-17, John 5:19, Acts 7:55)
• Jesus was baptized not to be cleansed, but to show us the way (Matt. 3:15)
• The apostles received the Priesthood authority from Christ (John 15:16)
• The Gift of the Holy Ghost is given by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority (priesthood). (Acts 7:17-18)
• The Priesthood comes from God (Hebrews 5:4)
• Faith in Christ is manifest through your words and deeds (James 2: 14, 17-18, 20, 22, 24, 26)

I have a stronger testimony of the Divinity of my Savior, Jesus Christ. I'm grateful that he Atoned for my sins. Repentance is a GOOD thing!